Explore Galle

🏝️ Galle Travel Guide

Known for: Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site), charming colonial streets, ocean views, and boutique cafés
Location: Southwest coast of Sri Lanka, ~120 km south of Colombo

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• December to April (Dry Season):
  ✅ Best time – sunny skies, calm seas, ideal for beach and fort exploration

• May to September (Monsoon):
  🌧️ Lush and green, but expect occasional heavy rain and high surf

🚆 How to Get There:

From Colombo:

• 🚆 By Train:

  • Scenic coastal route (~2–2.5 hours) from Colombo Fort to Galle Station

  • Best to book 1st or 2nd class for sea views

• 🚌 By Bus/Express Coach:

  • Air-conditioned coaches from Colombo or Matara (~2.5–3 hours)

• 🚗 By Car/Taxi:

  • Via Southern Expressway (E01) – ~1.5–2 hours

🌟 Top Attractions:

🏰 Galle Fort (UNESCO Site):

• Built by the Portuguese (1588), expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century

• Explore old churches, colonial homes, cobblestone lanes, and ocean ramparts

⛪ Key Sites Inside the Fort:

• Galle Lighthouse:
  Iconic coastal landmark with sea views

• Dutch Reformed Church:
  18th-century Protestant church with colonial graves

• All Saints’ Church:
  Gothic-style Anglican church with beautiful stained glass

• National Maritime Museum:
  Housed in a Dutch warehouse, displaying shipwreck relics and naval history

  🌊 Nearby Beaches:

• Unawatuna Beach:
  Calm bay with golden sands — great for swimming and snorkeling

• Jungle Beach:
  Secluded cove nestled in lush greenery — short tuk-tuk or hike from Unawatuna

• Dalawella & Wijaya Beach:
  Famous for palm-tree rope swings and turtle sightings

• Hikkaduwa Beach (30 min north):
  Surfing, coral reefs, and lively beach scene

🎨 Activities to Do:

• Stroll the Galle Fort walls at sunset

• Shop for art, jewelry, batik, and handlooms

• Explore galleries and museums inside the fort

• Enjoy a tea tasting at a local shop

• Try a rooftop café with ocean views

• Visit local spas or get an Ayurvedic massage

• Take a bike tour to nearby paddy fields and villages

🏨 Accommodation:

Inside the Fort (Boutique & Colonial Charm):

• The Fort Printers

• Galle Fort Hotel

• Fort Bazaar

• Rampart View Guesthouse

Outside the Fort:

• Le Grand Galle – Luxury with sea views

• Jetwing Lighthouse – Heritage & oceanfront

• Thaproban Beach House – Budget-friendly on Unawatuna Beach

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Local Dishes:

• Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry)

• Kottu roti

• Crab curry

• Pol sambol (coconut relish)

• Curd & treacle (buffalo milk yogurt with palm syrup)

Top Places to Eat:

• The Church Street Social – Fusion Sri Lankan cuisine

• Fortaleza – Boutique café with courtyard dining

• Lucky Fort Restaurant – Affordable Sri Lankan curry buffet

• Poonie’s Kitchen – Vegetarian, smoothie bowls, and fresh juices

• Sugar Bistro – Great for seafood and cocktails

• Wijaya Beach Restaurant – Pizza by the sea (Dalawella Beach)

🧑‍🎨 Local Culture:

• Colonial mix: Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences in architecture and cuisine

• Art & design: Galle Fort is a hub for local artists, writers, and designers

• Crafts: Handmade lace, batik, and recycled jewelry

• Religion: Christian churches, Buddhist temples, and mosques in close harmony

⚠️ Travel Tips:

• Walking is the best way to explore Galle Fort — cars are limited inside

• Wear sunscreen and hats — strong coastal sun

• Cash is useful for small shops, though cards are widely accepted

• Sunset at the Fort walls is a must — arrive early to find a good spot

• If visiting beaches, watch for currents, especially in the monsoon

Booking information